Don’t Miss the 2009 Atlanta Jazz Festival Memorial Day Weekend
Atlanta jazz lovers have reason to celebrate, as the 32nd annual Atlanta Jazz Festival hits the city this month. Of course, the biggest event of the festival takes place during Memorial Day Weekend (May 23–24), with historic Grant Park hosting the celebrated event.
Mayor Shirley Franklin
“I was the director of cultural affairs during Maynard Jackson’s terms and several jazz enthusiasts and musicians came and suggested that we do a jazz festival,” recalls Mayor Shirley Franklin, who has been involved with the festival for over 30 years.
Although the funding for this year’s festival was a bit scarce, given the hard economic times, the Atlanta community pulled together to ensure the festival’s continued success.
“This year was one of the hardest years to put this together,” Mayor Franklin said mentioning the hard work of Camille Russell Love, of the Office of Cultural Affairs, as well as the festival’s numerous sponsors, including American Family Insurance, the presenting sponsor.
Dianne Harnell Cohen of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Mayor Shirley Franklin and Michael Riggs of American Family insurance
“We are one of the oldest and largest free jazz festivals in the country,” Mayor Franklin stressed, mentioning the festival’s maturity and diversity. “During the month of the May, we have the chance to capture a sense of cultural heritage in our community. We bring together people from all walks of life. Novices and aficionados alike come together.”
Dionne Farris, Hiroshima, Russell Gunn & Elektrik Butterfly, Freddy Cole and others are scheduled to perform during this year’s festival, which will also feature a slew of events including a Mother’s Day Brunch, Jazzy Wine on Wednesday and Dinner and Jazz at Sambuca. –jh
